63 nations to sign UN nuclear terrorism treaty

[JURIST] The UN has announced Thursday that 63 nations have agreed to sign a new treaty against nuclear terrorism. The International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism [PDF text; CDI backgrounder] requires governments to punish those who illegally posses atomic devices and radioactive material or those who threaten others while in possession of these materials. The treaty was approved earlier this year [JURIST report] by the UN General Assembly [official website] and is the first global anti-terrorism convention since the 9/11 attacks on the US [JURIST news archive]. The agreement comes a few months after G8 leaders acknowledged [JURIST report] that they must "protect individuals while upholding human rights in accordance with international law." The accord must be ratified by at least 22 nations before it can become international law. Reuters has more.

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